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The latest edition of The Big Issue (Scotland) features a double-page spread interview with Ricky & Lorraine.

KEEP YOUR DIGNITY

Ricky Ross & Lorraine McIntosh talk religion, politics, love and death to Jane Graham as the couple draw on Johnny Cash and Hank Williams for inspiration on the first album as a duo.

Download the article as a PDF

Here's a round up of what the blogisphere is saying about McIntosh Ross and the release of The Great Lakes:

http://dieshellsuitdie.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-mcintosh-ross-great-lakes.html

http://stocki.typepad.com/soulsurmise/

http://thethoughtexperiment.wordpress.com/2009/09/30/music-moment-mcintosh-ross/

http://www.liverpoolstudentmedia.com/mcintosh-ross-great-lakes-album-review

http://www.indielondon.co.uk/Music-sotw/music-singles-of-the-week-monday-september-28-2009

Tickets are now available for this years Andrea Kearney Fund Dinner on 1 November 2009 at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow.

A stunning line up of performers will entertain guests, who will enjoy a drinks reception and three course meal - including wine. Among the performers are Ricky & Lorraine, James Grant of “Love and Money” and Joyce Falconer from BBC’s “River City”. The evening will be hosted by “River City“ star Tony Kearney.

Early booking is advisable to avoid disappointment Tables of 10 cost £350 Individual tickets cost £36

Please visit www.andreakearney.org to find out more or book a table.

Here's a round-up of what the UK press have said about The Great Lakes so far...

“(A) surprisingly good joint effort, which was recorded in California with a crack team who share Bob Dylan and Tom Waits credits …The album’s best tracks interweave celestial Caledonian folk-pop with wide-open-skies America.  A Passing Place, particularly, elevates a plan metaphorical conceit into a gorgeous country-gospel rhapsody.” – Uncut

“A triumph … The heart and strength of the album is the blend of their voices.  This time, they are equal partners, supporting each other.  Inevitably, McIntosh, given a more prominent role than before, is the greater revelation.  Banish those memories of the cheery backing singer, adding those irritatingly catchy ‘woo-oohs’ to Real Gone Kid, and behold a far more sensitive and sensual singer, channeling her inner tremulous Emmylou … She and Ross sing with such languid grace on the opening title track, it’s like trailing a hand in a millpool.” – The Scotsman ****

“With lots of banjos and harmonies, it’s an album of simple but meaningful songs and a deft mix of their gentle lilting Celtic background with a twang of Americana.  Highlights include the lovely Bluebell Wood.” – Sunday Mail, Scotland ****

“It’s a pleasant surprise to hear this American-soaked album by Ricky Ross and missus, Lorraine McIntosh.  They upped sticks and flew to Los Angeles to record it, with the help of some serious players in alt.country circles, and what’s been delivered is impressively more folk-tinged than their pop band of old, but they can still deliver a clever hook (Passing Place)” - Sunday Express, Scotland ****

“With wife and DB member Lorraine McIntosh in tow, Ross took his latest set of tunes to Los Angeles for the sound treatment only America can provide.  McIntosh and a couple of other collaborators have helped create these pared-back gems which are given sparse country arrangements and are beautifully recorded.  Watch other artists fall on these with glee … and stay tuned at the end of the hidden a cappella gospel track.” – The Herald, Scotland ****

“A gentle album of bare bones Americana that will keep the lonesome company on many a dark night” – Bournemouth Echo

“A reflective, alt.country album recorded in Los Angeles, the presence of accomplished folk musicians gives this a certain charm.” – Big Issue North